I talked to the guy again yesterday regarding the boat.
Since it is not running I told him I wanted it all check out etc.

He bought two new trailer tires since i last talked to him.
He said even if he gets a compression test it will read low because it has been sitting for two years.
He also said that he tried turning some electrical things on and one panel didnt work. He said the bilge did not work and the end of the wires may be corrodid so he was going to scratch the ends to see if they would work.
He didnt try to electric motor.

He is in a delima of what to do. He wants to sell it but he doesnt want to put $400 into it to work if he is not going to use it.

So I still dont know what to think. Should I stay away totally since the wire ends were corroded? I will hear next when he figures out the state of the wiring.

Be afraid, be very afraid...

Hey there "flynearful",
  I think we are all making a mountain out of a molehill here.  You should take five minutes and get on line to some of the area used boat dealers and look at what $3500 buys you!  A 150 Black Max values at $3500 alone!  The paint looks good in the pics, it has a trolling motor, axle that rolls and a prop.  Seats, rod lockers, graph and wiring are bonuses.  Even if you put a grand more into it, that makes a good 50+ mph bass boat (Mack, I doubt it went 65 to 67 MPH)  for less than 5 grand.  Go buy the stupid thing and get to work!  Then, go fishing and enjoy it!  MY .02!!!!!!!!11

Saw this boat on Craig's List may not be a bad investment if you haven't already bought one. 
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/boa/228664999.html

Hey "flynearful",
 If you want a "real world" version of used boat remarks and comments, I think your best bet is right here.  Between the 100+ members of WBC, I bet we've owned every boat known to man.  Aluminum boats- look for cracks around rivets, on or around the transom and so on, especially TRACKER boats.  As far as fiberglass boats go, rotted transoms are probably the most common and expensive unforeseen issues when buying a used boat.  Stress cracks around transoms and consoles are not that uncommon and it's usual not hard to tell whether or not they are structural.  If you find one you like, put it up on this website and I'm certain you'll get responses and opinions.  I acquired an 88' 17' Ranger that, in the day, was nearly bulletproof from another "clubber".  I'll keep it until it falls apart or my 13 year old son can pull it with his own truck.  My guess, my son will own it until it falls apart too.  How long will that be?  Don't hold your breath.                                HAPPY THANKGIVING WBC from Ron, Shanne and "the kids"!

Its in the for sale or trade section.

Fly,

Here's Marks Boat


My 2003 Cobra bass boat is up for sale:

18ft dual console
150hp Mercury Optimax with smart craft display
Lowrance LMS 320 / gps at console w/ RAM mount
Hummingbird 565 at the bow
Minnkota 65 lb thrust trolling motor
3 bank charger w/ two new trolling moter batteries
fully carpeted storage lockers
swing away toungue
This boat has NO wood in it.  Fully composite hull and cap means no rotting wood.
Deluxe waterproof boat cover  
Always garaged

The first $17250 takes her away!

Mark   206 719 6111